As the largest city between Salt Lake City and Denver, Grand Junction offers plenty of space to explore. The town is known for its stunning natural landscapes, agricultural abundance, growing food scene, and outdoor recreation.

History:

Grand Junction’s history of human civilization dates back thousands of years to when tribes including the Ute and Fremont tribes inhabited the area, according to Visit Grand Junction.

The Utes were forcibly removed to a reservation in Utah in 1880, according to Colorado Encyclopedia. Then, in September 1881, the area experienced a “landrush settlement” and the townsite was eventually established as Grand Junction (due to its location at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers).

Mesa County was created by 1883, and Grand Junction was named the county seat, according to the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. The town began to thrive when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad arrived in the area in 1887. Irrigation allowed the Grand Valley to become a fertile agricultural area.

Today, Grand Junction is a tourism hotspot on Colorado’s western slope, with excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, biking, rafting, and much more.

Outdoor recreation:

Colorado National Monument – known as a mini-Grand Canyon, this spot features red rock canyons, camping opportunities, and much more.

Grand Mesa – as the largest flat-top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa offers year-round activities including skiing, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.

Rattlesnake Arches – the world’s second-most concentration of natural arches.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – includes a chain of lakes great for paddleboarding, kayaking and tubing.

Kokopelli Trail – a 142-mile multi-use trail that goes from Loma, Colorado to Moab, Utah.

Culture:

Art on the Corner – the first outdoor sculpture program in the U.S.

Avalon Theatre – built for the residents of Grand Junction in 1923.

Mesa Theater – a live entertainment venue in downtown Grand Junction that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and more.

Museum of the West – explores the “rich and complex” history of Western Colorado through exhibits on Indigenous cultures, early settlers, and more.

Dining:

Devil’s Kitchen – located on the rooftop of the Hotel Maverick, this restaurant features American cuisine, as well as panoramic views of the Colorado National Monument.

Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar – a fast-casual wine and cocktail bar in downtown Grand Junction.

Rockslide Brew Pub – a microbrewery that also features pub food and outdoor seating.

Bin 707 Foodbar – serves seasonal American cuisine in downtown Grand Junction.

Lodging:

Hotel Maverick – located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, this hotel offers stunning red rock canyon views.

Hotel Melrose – this historic boutique hotel in downtown Grand Junction mixes “timeless charm” with “modern convenience.”

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown/Historic Main St. – conveniently located to everything you’ll need.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, it takes about four hours to drive from Denver to Grand Junction.

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